Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea: Where should Federico Bernardeschi move?

Juventus’ versatile attacker Federico Bernardeschi is a man in demand these days. Various European elites like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are looking to bring in the Italian, who reportedly favours a move to the Premier League. 

The 26-year-old joined Juventus for £35 million in 2017 after impressing immensely at his boyhood club, Fiorentina. 

Bernardeschi scored 14 goals in the 2016-17 season of the Serie A, which was enough for the Old Lady to acquire his services. Since moving to Turin, he has played 94 matches, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists. 

However, since moving to Juventus, the Italian international has failed to replicate the sort of form that propelled him into stardom. 

Bernardeschi’s tally of one goal and one assist in 24 matches this season isn’t an impressive feat, and what’s worth noting here is that half of his appearances in the present campaign have come from the bench. 

The player remains adamant for more playing time, in order to book his place in Italy’s squad for the Euros next summer. But Juventus head coach, Maurizio Sarri cannot promise him that, and as a result, the former Fiorentina man could be forced to look for a move away from Turin. 

Due to Federico Bernardeschi’s versatility, he has plenty of admirer across Europe, and in this article, we will try to analyse which club would be best suited for the Italian winger. 

Manchester United:

Pros:

Despite the obvious slump in recent years, Manchester United have been on an upward curve since Ole Gunnar Solsjaer took over the reins at Old Trafford. The club are well alive in the race for Champions League qualification next season, and Federico Bernardeschi, who prefers to play on the right-wing, would suit United’s counter-attacking style of football. 

Cons: 

While the playmaker is certainly a tempting prospect, the Red Devils signed Daniel James only last summer, with the youngster faring well at Old Trafford. James plays on the right-wing and would be a direct competitor to the Juventus player. Spending money to sign Bernardeschi, despite having a player of similar profile wouldn’t make sense from Manchester United’s perspective. 

Arsenal:

Pros:

The Gunners would be a less glamorous option for the Italian, as compared to Manchester United, given they are not likely to play in the Champions League next season. But Mikel Arteta is slowly trying to shape Arsenal as a team which favours attractive and attacking brand of football, which would certainly suit the attributes of Federico Bernardeschi. 

Cons:

Arsenal spent £72 million last season to sign Nicolas Pepe who plays on the right-wing. Why sign a player for the same position, when they already need reinforcements elsewhere? Moreover, Bernardeschi could struggle for game time at the Emirates as he would have to compete with the likes of Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Mesut Ozil, for a place in the playing XI.  

Chelsea:

Pros:

This summer, the Blues will oversee two high-profile departures – Pedro and Willian – which will open up slots for incoming players. Federico Bernardeschi would certainly get enough playing time at Stamford Bridge, which is his main motive for seeking a move away from Juventus. 

Cons:

The reason why this is an unlikely scenario is because Chelsea already have wide-players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic vying for berths on either flank.

They have also signed Hakim Ziyech, who mostly plays on the right-wing. So, it wouldn’t really make sense for Bernardeschi to move to Chelsea at the end of this season. 

Verdict:

As unlikely as it might seem, Manchester United would be the perfect destination for Federico Bernardeschi, as they are the only team from the aforementioned clubs who do not have a well-established star on the right-wing. 

This would at least give the Italian player a better chance to prove his mettle to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, and win his place in the playing XI.